I too am high on Brown, I do believe he will make the team and I think he could have some good chemistry with Lecavalier, of course besides Marty, who has been able to stay on that line in the last 10 years or so, nobody. So who knows. But at the same time I don't think Boucher lets him loose right away, and Browns gotta be able to handle 82 games with bigger boys so I have my doubts.

I'm going to get some crap for saying this but I think Connolly will figure it out, make the team, and come christmas time-ish make his way into the top 6. With Malone and his injuries, and Purcell disappearing for months at a time, I think Brett can do it. Don't forget about his days in the Dub, that's all I'm saying.

On the Matt Carle front, I'm happy with the signing because mainly he's steady enough to play top line minutes and not look lost so Brewer can go down the 2nd line from time to time. Term and cost for Carle are okay by me, because I think he may have had better offers for other teams trying to grossly over pay, like NYI or CBJ for example and nobody wants to play there.

Salo doesn't do much for me because of his injury history, starting to think there is an old injured vets on defense theme going on between Ohlund and Bergeron, now Salo. But if it works out I'll be happy to eat my words, no doubt.

If you buy into Yzerman's philosophy on taking flyers on ex-first rounders and you also believe we need to replace some of Downie's lost grit, Gilbert Brule is still available.

Speaking of former first rounders... maybe perhaps keep an eye on how Sam Gagner's arbitration case with EDM fairs. Gagner made $2.275M and wants more on a modest improvement statistically last season, but still hasn't broken 20 goals and/or 50 points in a single season. With all the forward talent emerging on that team, will EDM pay what an arbiter decides, or perhaps they are interested in divesting themselves of his arbitration hearing before the date altogether and would be up for a trade.

IMO, Gagner would be a interestinng 3rd line center pickup. Great playmaker. Put him with wingers that can pursue puck and win battles in corners.

Speaking of former first rounders... maybe perhaps keep an eye on how Sam Gagner's arbitration case with EDM fairs. Gagner made $2.275M and wants more on a modest improvement statistically last season, but still hasn't broken 20 goals and/or 50 points in a single season. With all the forward talent emerging on that team, will EDM pay what an arbiter decides, or perhaps they are interested in divesting themselves of his arbitration hearing before the date altogether and would be up for a trade.

IMO, Gagner would be a interestinng 3rd line center pickup. Great playmaker. Put him with wingers that can pursue puck and win battles in corners.

would he be good in bouchers system? if I remember correctly he isn't a fast skater. but a great thought

I'm sure this won't be well received but I for one would not be shocked if he plays his way into the top 6.

Why would it not be well received? If he starts to fulfill his Patrick Marleau-like potential, it makes the Lightning a much more healthy franchise. It means life won't end on the unfortunate day Marty retires.

Why would it not be well received? If he starts to fulfill his Patrick Marleau-like potential, it makes the Lightning a much more healthy franchise. It means life won't end on the unfortunate day Marty retires.

I was more speaking to the potential of him playing his way into the top 6 not being well received. I like the Marleau comparison though.

I was more speaking to the potential of him playing his way into the top 6 not being well received. I like the Marleau comparison though.

Best way for Connolly to disprove his detractors is to excel as a scoring liner.

I've always liked Connolly and the pick, but have been on record as one who thinks perhaps a year of seasoning in the AHL would help kickstart his offensive pro game, especially with the Rookie Whisperer. However, if he comes out of the gate and slams a Top 6 role, then I'm all for it. Bring it on. Like Pete said, makes TBL a stronger team.

I've always liked Connolly and the pick, but have been on record as one who thinks perhaps a year of seasoning in the AHL would help kickstart his offensive pro game, especially with the Rookie Whisperer. However, if he comes out of the gate and slams a Top 6 role, then I'm all for it. Bring it on. Like Pete said, makes TBL a stronger team.

I too think he starts in Syracuse. But we are all better off if he makes a Seguin type improvement in his sophomore year.

__________________
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Looking at the possible makeup and combinations, there should be a lot of competition for roster spots, a good thing to force people to work hard and, for some, force them to,start realizing their potential.
So now, I do think Brown makes the team and think Connolly may well also, the competition is going to come from Conacher and Killorn, who if they go back to SYR would be among the first call ups.
Ok these ate just combos, or pairings and may have nothing to do with ice time, but in thinking about this I think Boucher has the opportunity to mix up his lines depending on what he needs to do at different times of the game.
Brown VL TP
Malone Stamkos MSL or Connolly
Connolly Poulliot Crumbeen or Pyatt or Killorn or Conacher
Hall Thompson Pyatt, Tyrell depending on rehab.
I really liked the idea of the tank line and am sure Boucher will use it.
D pairings
Hedman Salo
Carle Brewer
Lee Mikkleson or Aulie and MAB
If Lee shows good progress then maybe he shares time with Hedman, they played together some last year and they seemed to work well together if memory serves me correctly.
In goal
Lindback
Garon..... Where does Helenius end up? Or Janus?
Camp should be Very interesting,hopefully we will sign a Defensive consultant to work with our young Dmen and the PP. I think that should be next on the list.

Speaking of former first rounders... maybe perhaps keep an eye on how Sam Gagner's arbitration case with EDM fairs. Gagner made $2.275M and wants more on a modest improvement statistically last season, but still hasn't broken 20 goals and/or 50 points in a single season. With all the forward talent emerging on that team, will EDM pay what an arbiter decides, or perhaps they are interested in divesting themselves of his arbitration hearing before the date altogether and would be up for a trade.

IMO, Gagner would be a interestinng 3rd line center pickup. Great playmaker. Put him with wingers that can pursue puck and win battles in corners.

Well... according to twitter... Oilers have signed Gagner to a ‪4 years $13M contract, avoiding arbitration. That's $3M+/yr. Everybody got loads of cap space to re-sign.